Navigating Department of Defense Additive Manufacturing Acquisition Practices

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to examine acquisition practices related to the increased adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) in the Department of Defense (DOD). We explore policies, processes, organizational alignment, and data management to assess AM acquisition in the Air Force. We use a Government Accountability Office (GAO) framework to systematically assess the state of AM acquisitions. Our research includes a DOD spend analysis of AM, policy and guidance analysis, and stakeholder interviews with multiple agencies throughout the Air Force AM ecosystem. We consolidate our findings to develop recommendations that DOD customers can use when seeking 3D-printed requirements. Our conclusion highlights strengths and weaknesses of current acquisitions processes and provides recommendations for further research. While Air Force-centric, our research findings can be adopted to fit acquisition needs specific to all DOD services seeking to meet the call for improved contracting processes outlined in the Department of Defense Additive Manufacturing Strategy.